Gilbert James Bertochini, after a lifetime of service to God, passed away on April 13, 2012. Born March 22, 1924, in Chicago, Illinois he was the youngest of four children of William and Grace Bertocchini who emigrated from Italy in the 1800’s. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, great & great-great grandfather. He married Bette Marland Brown on August 8, 1948. Their love story began when they met at Andrews University in 1947 and spanned more than sixty-four years. Their life together was one of abiding love, travel and adventures that most people can only dream about.
He served his country during World War II in New Guinea and the Philippines, earning a bronze medal for his service. After serving his country he began his education at Emanuel Missionary College to prepare him for his passion to serve God as a member of the Seventh Day Adventist church. He dedicated his life to spreading the Gospel as a pastor, missionary and in a leadership position in the General Conference of Seventh Day Adventists until he retired in July, 1990. As a missionary he lived with his family in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore and became conversant in the Chinese language. He traveled extensively throughout the world during his career and even after he retired, spreading the Word of God. He will be remembered lovingly by generations of young people as “Uncle Bert”, editor of the Winner Magazine.
He enjoyed playing the piano, baseball, golf and tennis. He was a fan of the Chicago White Sox baseball team, regardless of how they were doing in the standings. He loved to tell his life adventures. His grandchildren will always cherish the memory of ‘story time with Grandpa’.
He was preceded in death by his parents William & Grace Bertocchini and sisters Dina Schuster & Amneris Rasmussen.
He is survived by his loving wife, Bette Brown Bertochini. Brother, George & wife, Wilda. Sons: Bill & wife, Brenda, John & wife, Francisca. Grandchildren: Rhonda Forcum & husband, Chris, Michelle Donaldson & husband Zack, Melinda Spradley & husband, Kirk, Scot Bertocchini, Heather Meitzler & husband, Joe. Great-grandchildren: Kayla Blackburn, Anjelica Forcum, Billy Anderson, Cody Anderson, Tiffany Meitzler, William Forcum, Taylor Meitzler, Kelsey Forcum and Victoria Meitzler. Great-great grandson: Kaiden Blackburn. Adopted daughter, Melinda Li.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7
Grampa was just an amazing Man, Elder, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great and Great Great Grandfather no questions. I am forever gratful for all he taught me and is still teaching me!! Skiing, tennis, canoeing, driving, songs on the piano, lawn mowing, counting in chinese, dedication, determination, never give up and always stand up for what you believe in (even if you must face death) to name a few... The most important lesson that I am still learning from what he modeled is that he knew forgiveness and always forgave even if he wasn't asked and he would never ever ever hold a grudge with someone. He was a truly great role model that most would dream of knowing and I am honored to have had this wonderful man as my Grandfather!!!! Miss you Grandpa - so much xoxoxoxo!!
ReplyDeleteI have fond memories of Gil, especially his visits with the Fox family. I know that his family misses him tremendously. My pray is that God's grace will be sufficient for you not only in the loss of such a great man but for every problem or difficult situation that you encounter.
ReplyDeleteGlenn Fox
I will always remember the great times I had with my great grandpa! Like teaching me how to play the piano and grandma and him taking me on nature drives to see all the pretty birds and animals of Florida!
ReplyDeleteGrandpa, you will always be in my heart! I love you so much, and miss you terribly! I wish I would have gotten to spend more time with you, but ill cherish the times I did. You were a great man, everyone that crossed paths with you loved you! I'm proud to call you my great grandpa! <3
Ill se you again soon, and until then ill be missing you!
Love you,
Kayla
What an especially impressive man of God with a very electrifying smile and for some reason I can still remember his face, his stature, and even the way he walks AND his name (kinda forgot his first name). He held a week of prayer for North Celebes Academy in Indonesia around 1968 where I was a student. I googled his name and after several attempts I was glad I could see his electrifying smiling face again...Ooo I think I was able to have a brief chat with him at the time...Warm greetings in Jesus to pastor Bertochinni's family from me, Yance Nayoan the "friend" of elder Gilbert Bertochinni!
ReplyDelete